curious
"
J
are subject to the most serious reactions of the media and
public. In Britain since the major translation from Empire
to Commonwealth the great African independent states
between opinion on the remainder of our Empire oscellates from sheer
neglect and disinterest to immediate indignation when anyone
tries to grapple with the dilemma facing the small dependent
territories. There is no decent debate or argument; only
marginal understanding of the issues; but an understable
"gut" reaction. A sell out" - "trying to get rid of them"
"the cold hearted diplomats of the FO insenitive to the wishes
of people etc
..
•
Again I attach no blame to anyone about this situation.
It
is probably as much, if not more, Government fault. They
pick up these problems and then drop them almost as quickly.
Government has not really encouraged a debate. Handling the
issues vary from the most secret of diplomacy
all the fun
of a secret meeting with the Foreign Minister of country X
etc
<
to the proposition that any change must be the subject
of a referendum the most open form of foreign policy decision
>
making.
problems more openly.
There is a strong case for presenting the issues, dilemmas and
те There has been no White Paper on any-
Issue T
Akdependent territories.
One has been so busy trying to keep
/things